By DAVID R. CHURCH, MD

Thank you Los Alamos and those of you who have come from further north. It is with much sadness that I have chosen to retire from the practice of medicine.

I have been in practice for 43 years now. As a patient suggested to me recently when told of my years of service to patients, I should retire and join a museum. That must be due to my extraordinary artistic ability to draw a complete health plan on the back of a prescription pad!

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of participating in your health care.

Your medical records will be at the Medical Associates of Northern New Mexico, MANNM, in the Los Alamos Medical Center. Dr. Linnebur and her team have access to your full record.

Melissa Thurgood, my former assistant, will be continuing to help you in the same professional way she always has. My medical colleagues will continue to give you excellent care.

I will continue to live in Los Alamos with my wife, Judi. I am looking forward to seeing more of my family who are spread across the country. From Los Alamos (Micah), California (Daniel & Christina), to New Jersey (Heather & Louis), and Iowa (Shane & Andrea along with my grandsons Ethan & Colin and another grandchild on the way).

Thank you again for allowing me to be your doctor.